Towns in Swedish Lapland

Find your own favourite spot. We have many to choose from. Ain't no mountain high, ain't no valley low, ain't no river wide enough.

  • Destinations

    16

Towns in Swedish Lapland

Swedish Lapland is Sweden’s northernmost destination, spanning from Skellefteå in the south to Kiruna in the north. The free-flowing rivers have been a connector for all the towns and villages within the destination since the beginning of time, serving as travel routes, as a source of food and income – twining together the destination’s history and culture. Although we share the sub-arctic climate, the alternating landscape has its unique characteristics. All of this also is a part of Sápmi, the land of the Sámi.

Let’s start with the coastal line. Here the angler’s culture has its stronghold, with salmon and vendace as the main catch. In Kalix, they produce the origin-protected vendace roe Kalix löjrom, considered as fine as any caviar. The over 4,000 islands shelter unique species and flora, sandy beaches, quaint island lodges, and hostels accessible only by boat. In winter, the sea freezes and ice roads strong enough to carry a car can guide you through the alien landscape of icy boulders.

The River Valleys (Lule, Pite, Kalix, Torne) stretch from the coast up to the mountains, all with their own quaint, small villages, funny dialects, great fishing and most of all – serenity.

The woodlands have some of the country’s oldest mature forests and low mountains, perfect for cross-country skiing and dogsledding in winter, berry-picking in autumn. Bird- and wildlife watchers thrive here. The woodlands and the coastal area are also reindeer winter pastures, so running into one is not uncommon.

By the Finnish border, along the Torne River, is Tornedalen. Or Torne River Valley. A unique cultural melting pot where the Finns, Swedes and the Sámi have lived together side-by-side, giving life to a minority language only spoken here – and an exclusive food culture. These are fertile lands, perfect for raising livestock and cultivating vegetables. The abundance of salmon and whitefish in the river has parented a strong fishing tradition, and a knack for clean eating before the term was even invented.

And the mountains. The vast areas of national parks are only accessible by foot or skis – ideally located just under the Aurora oval, where the chances for catching the northern lights are superb. Especially in Abisko with its cloud-free skies. The midnight sun shines on hikers during summer as well as on those who are skiing in spring.

28
Nature

World’s best place
for northern lights

On a beautiful Tuesday night, we take the chairlift from the village of Abisko towards the top of mount Njullá. It’s cold and crisp, the ...

Also read
  • 26
    Culture

    A place to preserve

    Just outside Luleå, you'll find the church village Gammelstad. This used to be where Luleå city centre was located right up to the 17th century, with red log cabins in a kind of organised chaos around one of Sweden's most beautiful churches. It's a unique place and something to preserve for future generations.

    Håkan Stenlund
  • 12
    Design

    A frozen icon

    In the village of Jukkasjärvi, outside Kiruna, lies the original ICEHOTEL. Every year, since 1989, it has been reincarnated in a new rendition and there’s always more to come. From the beginning this was kind of a crazy idea in the winter, nowadays it’s as crazy all year round.

    Emma Forsberg
  • 26
    Culture

    Jokkmokk’s market

    On the first weekend in February, every year since 1606, Jokkmokk's market is held. Apart from world-class Sámi art, culture and handicraft, visitors are usually greeted by proper, cold winter weather.

    Håkan Stenlund